ORANGE COUNTY MAYOR RICHARD CROTTY ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign announced today that Orange County, Mayor Richard Crotty has endorsed John McCain for president.

"John McCain is the most qualified candidate to lead as our next president," said Mayor Crotty. "John has the experience and judgment to serve as commander in chief from day one. Throughout his career, John has demonstrated that he is able to work across the aisle to find solutions to the challenges our nation faces. He is a leader who puts the nation's interest before his own, and gets things done."

John McCain thanked Mayor Crotty, stating, "Richard has made a career out of serving his community, and the people of Orange County have recognized his leadership and commitment. I am grateful for his support and look forward to working with him as we work toward victory in Florida."

Mayor Richard Crotty has served Orange County, Florida since January, 2001 when he was appointed by Governor Jeb Bush. Mayor Crotty won re-election in 2002 and 2006. During his prior fourteen years of legislative service, as a member of both the House and Senate, Mr. Crotty was known as a reformer and consensus builder who succeeded by working closely with both sides of the aisle. As a member of the Florida Senate, Mr. Crotty served as his party's Floor Leader. He was elected Orange County Property Appraiser in 1992.

Mayor Crotty has been recognized by Orlando Magazine as the area's "Best Politician" in 2003 and 2004. The publication also ranked Mayor Crotty at the top of the list of Orlando's 50 most powerful people in July 2004. More recently, an Orlando Sentinel survey ranked Mayor Crotty #1 on its list of the "25 Most Powerful People In Central Florida."

Mayor Crotty grew up in Orlando, attending Orange County public schools. He previously served as a member of the United States Army Reserve, serving in a military police unit. He lives in Belle Isle with his wife Pam and their two children. They are members of the First Baptist Church of Orlando.